<img src="https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/disney-myth-a-frozen-tale.jpg?w=1000&h=563&crop=1&resize=1000%2C563" width="512" height="288">
When our story begins, you're standing in a clearing. You're surrounded by a vague circle of large stones in the rough shape of pillars. They have intricate patterns on them, but when you inspect them, they shift and morph.
In between the stonehenge around you are two paths into the thick forest around you. The first is a path overgrown with wildflowers. (text-colour:black)[[Greenhouse & Apothecary]] The second is a cobblestone path, dappled in light between the aspen trees above. (text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]]
(set: $GreenhouseObject to "blop")
(set: $TempleObject to "blop")
(set: $CentaurObject to "blop")
(set: $MossHutObject to "blop")
(set: $PondObject to "blop")
(set: $ObservatoryObject to "blop")
(set: $DinerObject to "blop")
(set: $GreenhouseRune to "blop")
(set: $TempleRune to "blop")
(set: $CentaurRune to "blop")
(set: $MossHutRune to "blop")
(set: $ObservatoryRune to "blop")
(set: $DinerRune to "blop")
(set: $Weapon to "blop")
(set: num-type $RuneSum to 0)
(set: num-type $LifeCount to 1)<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53c71197e4b0db5fbd4fa87e/1557868566822-ANGVV3X5BISCC4EAW0MM/On+Our+Radar+%7C+A+New+Book+Highlights+the+Beauty+of+Greenhouses+Glasshouse+Greenhouse+Rizzoli?format=2500w" width="512" height="288">
When you emerge from the path overgrown with wildflowers, you see an enormous greenhouse. Two stories made up of large glass panels with intricately carved wooden frames, nearly entirely obscured by ivy adorned with green puffs of leaves that held yellow, white, and green flowers and some clusters of berries. Similarly, the insides of the greenhouse were completely filled with a wide assortment of plants.
As you circle around the building, hoping to find an entrance, you dodge the ivy that snaps at you as you walk by. As you turn a corner, you find a cluster of several Venus flytraps. As you approach, the Venus flytraps open and lower their mouths to span from the ground to 10 feet up, matching the grand wooden doors that were concealed behind them. You reach your hand out, hoping to fight them off, only for them to shrivel away from you. They bow to the side, giving you a clear path to the doors. You turn the crystal doorknobs and swing the doors open.
The wave of pollen and intoxicating fumes cause you to stagger. You collapse to the floor and cough until the smells dissipate. You notice a rune on the floor and a seam around the stone embedded in the floor. You pry the stone loose and find: [[a jar of unmarked dried herbs]], [[a vial of silvery liquid]], or a [[a wooden box with a golden lock]].
You put it in your satchel and take out your journal to sketch the rune. Once you finish sketching you look up and realize you didn't close the doors. The previously wilted Venus flytraps have revived themselves and continued their previous task of guarding the entrance once you closed the doors.
When you turn around to face the center of the greenhouse, you see the podium in the center displaying an ancient looking book. You flip through the worn pages and find intricate drawings and descriptions of the various plants filling the greenhouse. When you’re done flipping through the pages you wander around the densely packed and vast room. You find a rusting iron spiral staircase with a wooden banister. You walk your way up, wary of the groaning steps.
The second floor is… an apothecary. It has pale blue walls and white trim. The walls are almost entirely covered by the jars of various herbs on top of wooden shelves. In the center is a wooden kitchen island. You browse the shelves and find some chamomile and honey and make yourself a cup of tea.
You go downstairs and wander through the maze of plants while sipping your tea. When you’ve had your fill of the tea and the plants, you put your cup down on a small table you find that’s already piled high with cups. You find a side entrance and leave the property.
(set: $GreenhouseRune to "the greenhouse rune")
Around you is:
(if: $ObservatoryRune is "blop") [
A path thoroughly covered in ivy. It hangs from the trees and covers the ground. (text-colour:black)[[Abandoned Observatory]]
](if: $DinerObject is "blop") [
A concrete path that looks like it belongs in New York City. (text-colour:black)[[Inexplicable Diner ]]
]
A soft path downhill, that gives you a calming feeling.(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]]<img src="https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/aebfb212-d086-444d-823e-01ec163a85fc/daj3km6-550eca27-9743-4e52-81bb-1a976af151f5.jpg/v1/fit/w_375,h_500,q_70,strp/centaur_by_schastlivaya_ch_daj3km6-375w.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTAwMCIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2FlYmZiMjEyLWQwODYtNDQ0ZC04MjNlLTAxZWMxNjNhODVmY1wvZGFqM2ttNi01NTBlY2EyNy05NzQzLTRlNTItODFiYi0xYTk3NmFmMTUxZjUuanBnIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTc1MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.uVQAdoqzRIby-s0ID5SrFntiBt0gUZdu4dIyzKeJcZA" width="300" height="400">
{
The cobblestone path is uneven underfoot, though the beautiful scenery makes up for it. You see a family of bunnies hop across your path. The path begins to open up, nearing a clearing. You freeze when you hear laughter. You cautiously approach the clearing, wary because this forest is supposed to be free of humans.
}
And you find that you’re right. It is free of humans. The clearing is full of centaurs. There's groups of them laughing with each other while braiding each other's hair, sleeping in triangles, and frolicking through the pond. They slowly realize your presence as they silently spread the message. All chatter ceases almost instantly. Then, they all rush towards you. Even if you had the sense to stumble backwards, they're too fast for you to evade. They sweep you up by the arms, giggling more than they had before. You notice the difference in the breeds of horses. And that they aren't wearing any clothes. Most of them have their hair braided or styled to be somewhat modest. They drag you to the pond so you lay you gently, floating. You gently fall asleep as the centaurs resume their activities round you, peering at you.
When you wake up, a golden haired centaur leads you out of the water and to the edge of the clearing. They hand you a pile of folded clothes and a piece of parchment and gestures to a secluded area of the forest. You get changed and observe the parchment. You find it has a rune on it and you tuck it away for safekeeping. When you go back to the clearing, you see the centaur waiting for you, alert. The golden haired centaur hands you: [[a bow and arrow]], [[a warm bundle of food wrapped in leaves]], or a [[a hollowed out horn]].
You take it, and thank them profusely. It's time to head out into the forest again.
(set: $CentaurRune to "the golden haired centaur’s rune")
Around you is:
(if: $ObservatoryRune is "blop") [
A path thoroughly covered in ivy. It hangs from the trees and covers the ground. (text-colour:black)[[Abandoned Observatory]]
](if: $TempleObject is "blop") [
A dirt path, with heavy treads in it that seem to be from repeated use of a wooden cart. (text-colour:black)[[Temple]]
](if: $MossHutObject is "blop") [
A path filled with moss and patches of clover, you already see a few four leaf clovers. Little red topped mushrooms dot the path. (text-colour:black)[[Moss Hut]]
]
A soft path downhill, that gives you a calming feeling.(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]]<img src="https://www.wallpaperflare.com/static/198/4/58/mountains-fantasy-art-moon-night-wallpaper.jpg" width="640" height="400">
The dirt path’s heavy treads are hypnotic to look at as you walk. You sway slightly and the shifting of the parallel lines in your vision is reassuring. You only realize that you’ve reached the end of the path once the lines split into dozens of much more shallow paths. You look up and see a temple illuminated by the full moon’s light. It has smooth white walls and columns. The open windows have warm candlelight seeping through them softly.
You go up to the doors and open them to find a long hallway with high ceilings with several domed sections. About a dozen feet up is a net that holds the candles that light the entire space. The hall is lined by columns and partial walls, covered in temples to the Goddesses. In between the altars are archways that lead to more rooms.
At the other end of the hall is a grand altar. It’s at least 10 feet wide and the statue of the Grand Mother at the center is at least 10 feet tall and on a 2 feet tall podium. Her arms are outstretched as if reaching for an embrace and her drapery was loose, billowing behind her. As in all other depictions, the veil covering her face obscured any facial features. Except, in this statue the sculpture chose to have her eyes visible in the brilliant form of diamonds inlay with the stone. This certainly broke the mold of acceptability of depictions of the Grand Mother. Everyone is encouraged to have some depiction to pray to, but to have any specifics like hair or facial features bordered on presuming to know Her and to be able to depict Her properly. You lower your gaze to the rest of the altar and see a smooth stone ingrained with a rune hidden behind the dozens of candles on the altar. You put your knees on the prayer pillows in front of the altar to ask for forgiveness from the Grand Mother before putting Her rune in your bag.
You go through one of the archways and find a hallway with several bedrooms. You decide to stay in one of the rooms for the night. In your dreams, you see the statue again. The Grand Mother lowers Her head to gaze at you, her eyes glinting. She speaks and her veil shifts from her breath. You know what She said was important, and you try to take it to heart, but when you wake you can’t remember what it was.
In your room, you find a chest. You take: [[a crystal]], [[an ancient scroll]], or [[a small figurine of the Grand Mother]].
You wander the halls a bit more and find a kitchen. You make yourself peach oatmeal and enjoy it on the pillow pile you find in a meditation room. When you finish, you return your dishes to their places in the kitchen and head out for the road again.
(set: $TempleRune to "the Grand Mother’s rune")
Around you is:
(if: $CentaurObject is "blop") [
A cobblestone path, dappled in light between the aspen trees above. (text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]]
]
A soft path downhill, that gives you a calming feeling.(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]]<img src="https://machinecanvas.com/cdn/shop/products/mc-00261-a-glowing-pond-in-a-dark-cavern-sunbeam-anime-drawing-small_grande.jpg?v=1662218219" width="600" height="481">
The downhill path gently evened out until it reached a pond. It becomes a pond that radiates a soft blue light. Blue and white sparkling flecks hover above the pond. You wade through the water and dive to the bottom, where the light is strongest. You find a hole in the floor of the pond and dive down. You follow the tunnel briefly until it goes up slightly into an underground cave. As you come out of the water, taking deep breaths, you see the cave walls are covered in 6 runes. You take out:
(if: $GreenhouseRune is "the greenhouse rune") [
The Greenhouse & Apothecary rune.
](if: $TempleRune is "the Grand Mother’s rune") [
The Grand Mother’s rune.
](if: $CentaurRune is "the golden haired centaur’s rune")[
The Golden haired centaur’s rune.
](if: $MossHutRune is "The Little Guys™ rune")[
The Little Guys™ rune.
](if: $ObservatoryRune is "the McGregor’s Observatory rune")[
The McGregor’s Observatory rune.
](if: $DinerRune is "Tom’s Diner rune")[
Tom’s Diner rune.
]
The shift through your runes, and match the ones you have to some of the ones on the wall. When you put the runes next to the ones on the walls, the matching runes glow.
(if: $RuneSum is 6)[
The light begins to glow even brighter until it blinds you. When you can open your eyes again, you see the light manifest into an object in your outstretched hands. It’s: [[a sword]] or [[a glowing orb]].
You hear a voice, the voice of the all knowing Grand Mother, speak “You are one of the few humans to deserve the glory of this forest's light. Use your gift wisely, and spread your purity to others. Do not stray, or you shall regret it".
You bow your head to honor the Grand Mother and dive back into the water. When you arrive back on the surface, you head out to continue your journey and to honor the Grand Mother's wishes.
](else:)[
The light from the runes flicker momentarily before it goes out. You hear a voice, the voice of the all knowing Grand Mother, speak “You don’t have enough runes. You don’t know this forest as you should. Go, explore. When you’re sure you’ve seen all you can, come back here and you’ll find what you’re looking for”.
You bow your head to honor the Grand Mother and dive back into the water. When you arrive back on the surface, you head out to continue your journey and to honor the Grand Mother's wishes.
]
Around you is:
(if: $TempleObject is "blop") [
A dirt path, with heavy treads in it that seem to be from repeated use of a wooden cart. (text-colour:black)[[Temple]]
](if: $ObservatoryRune is "blop") [
A path thoroughly covered in ivy. It hangs from the trees and covers the ground. (text-colour:black)[[Abandoned Observatory]]
](if: $RuneSum is 6) [
An ordinary path with imprints of recent footsteps. (text-colour:black)[[Campsite]]
](if: $MossHutObject is "blop") [
A path filled with moss and patches of clover, you already see a few four leaf clovers. Little red topped mushrooms dot the path. (text-colour:black)[[Moss Hut]]
](if: $CentaurObject is "blop") [
A cobblestone path, dappled in light between the aspen trees above. (text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]]
](if: $GreenhouseObject is "blop") [
A path overgrown with wildflowers. (text-colour:black)[[Greenhouse & Apothecary]]
](if: $DinerObject is "blop") [
A concrete path that looks like it belongs in New York City. (text-colour:black)[[Inexplicable Diner ]]
]<img src="https://previews.123rf.com/images/sashasokurenko/sashasokurenko1811/sashasokurenko181100579/113301595-old-abandoned-observatory-in-forest-kyiv-ukraine.jpg" width="433" height="650">
The ivy covered path is difficult to navigate. You duck under long hanging vines, and thankfully the path clears out soon. You reach an observatory, clearly abandoned. The midday sun beats down on you. You find the door covered by ivy and force the door open, creaking loudly. When you make your way inside, there's barely any light. Any artificial lighting long since stopped working but the skylight still works, though dampened by the ivy. You find a display showing the history of the observatory and skim it quickly. McGregor’s Observatory, established in 3154, yadda yadda. Oooh, its logo. You take out your notebook and sketch the logo, aka rune.
You turn to look around more and feel a hand on your shoulder. Without wasting a moment, you run down the corridor in front of you. It slopes downward and soon it takes a sharp right. As you skid to follow it, you get to glance behind you. You see no one. You stop for a moment and pick up: [[a telescope]], [[a wrench]], or a [[a lighter]].
You hold it in front of you, hoping it will save you. After a few moments, you start to question your sanity. Was there ever a hand on my shoulder? You walk back up the path and leave the observatory. Time to leave.
(set: $ObservatoryRune to "the McGregor’s Observatory rune")
Around you is:
(if: $GreenhouseObject is "blop") [
A path overgrown with wildflowers. (text-colour:black)[[Greenhouse & Apothecary]]
](if: $CentaurObject is "blop") [
A cobblestone path, dappled in light between the aspen trees above. (text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]]
]
A soft path downhill, that gives you a calming feeling.(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]]
(if: $DinerObject is "blop") [
A concrete path that looks like it belongs in New York City. (text-colour:black)[[Inexplicable Diner ]]
]<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/3b/c0/f2/3bc0f2f9f579f35a0137f1c58910958a.jpg" width="734" height="421">
The footprints on the path show that a group of 6 came through here, along with a wolf. The path is long, and suddenly becomes uphill. You feel the temperature rise, and the plants beside the path become tropical. When you reach the top of the hill, you see a campsite in a clearing. The campsite is occupied by 6 people, wandering about to set up camp. A wolf is circling around the pile of unsorted goods protectively, growling.
The travelers, as the bags and tents indicate, notice you. They pause their preparations and come closer to each other. They talk among themselves for a moment and then one of them comes up to you. He has long dark hair that's in a half up style. His right eye is shut, likely due to the three parallel scars that cover the right side of his face. "I'm Arnoux. We're travelers, just passing through. Are you also a traveler? Do we have something to fear from you?" Your response, choose carefully: [["I'm also a traveler, you have nothing to fear from me."]] or [["I am also a traveler. On the question of whether you should fear me, I ask does the forest have something to fear from you?""]]<img src="https://as2.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/05/63/50/59/1000_F_563505937_oummymqNMkXHjw3RQaozJtnMqCYtnN5A.jpg" width="500" height="333.5">
The concrete path is strange to say the least. The sharp divide between the urban sidewalk and the wild forest floor is offsetting. When the path turns into a plot, you see a quite inexplicable diner. It was a large neon sign saying Tom’s Diner with a flicking ‘s. Its slogan proclaims “Serving you proudly since 1969 BCE!”.
You go inside and seeing no server to seat you, you sit down in one of the booths with the classic cracked red fabric. You close your eyes and when you open them, a chocolate malt is in front of you. You drink it and look around. The counter has steel stools with red tops that creak when turned. The booth tables and counter have gum underneath. The tip jar has a few gold and vibranium coins. On one of the tables is a rune carved into the wood. You sketch it into your notebook. You find a lost and found box and grab: [[an umbrella]], [[a jacket]], or [[a wallet]].
You decide to move on.
(set: $DinerRune to "Tom’s Diner rune")
Around you is:
(if: $GreenhouseObject is "blop") [
A path overgrown with wildflowers. (text-colour:black)[[Greenhouse & Apothecary]]
](if: $ObservatoryObject is "blop") [
A path thoroughly covered in ivy. It hangs from the trees and covers the ground. (text-colour:black)[[Abandoned Observatory]]
](if: $MossHutObject is "blop") [
A path filled with moss and patches of clover, you already see a few four leaf clovers. Little red topped mushrooms dot the path. (text-colour:black)[[Moss Hut]]
]
A soft path downhill, that gives you a calming feeling.(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]]<img src="https://imagedelivery.net/9sCnq8t6WEGNay0RAQNdvQ/UUID-cl90h6k4g1854119tqylxps83fc/public" width="768" height="768">
Freya takes you on a short path and then momentarily stops before saying,"You're going downhill." She shoves you and you tumble, blind, down a sharp cliff. You start dissociating and y-
(if: $PondObject is "a sword") [
So you survived. Oh. Your trauma response meant you lost your memory of the fight. So... you fought The Darkness and won via the Grand Mother's sword. You find Arnoux again. You fall into a pattern together, and you share the entirety of the story of your travels in the enthralling forest. You both become adamant followers of the Grand Mother, as She saved you. Eventually you settle, living in a forest together.
](else-if: $Weapon is not "blop")[
So you survived. Oh. Your trauma response meant you lost your memory of the fight. So... you fought The Darkness and won via $Weapon. You find Arnoux again. You fall into a pattern together, and you share the entirety of the story of your travels in the enthralling forest. You both become adamant followers of the Grand Mother. Eventually you settle, living in a forest together.
](else:)[
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
(set: $LifeCount to ($LifeCount + 1))
So you died. We weren't joking when we said this forest is *supposed* to be human free. Since you were dissociating when you died, your spirit is left without a vessel in this world. But not for long. It is absorbed by the stonehenges from the clearing. You become one of the infinitely changing runes. But I suppose you deserve a ($LifeCount + 1) chance after The Darkness devoured your body as you watched helplessly. Oh. Your trauma response meant you lost your memory of that happening. Heh. Sorry about reminding you. Anyway, your soul will be recycled as all are in this world. You will of course be drawn to the place of your last death, so you'll get to try again. This time, make better choices. (text-colour:black)[[Stonehenge Clearing]]
](set: $GreenhouseObject to "a jar of unmarked dried herbs")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Greenhouse & Apothecary]](set: $GreenhouseObject to "a vial of silvery liquid")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Greenhouse & Apothecary]](set: $GreenhouseObject to "a wooden box with a golden lock")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Greenhouse & Apothecary]](set: $CentaurObject to "a bow and arrow")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]]
(set: $Weapon to "a bow and arrow")(set: $CentaurObject to "a warm bundle of food wrapped in leaves")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]](set: $CentaurObject to "a hollowed out horn")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]](set: $ObservatoryObject to "a telescope")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Abandoned Observatory]](set: $ObservatoryObject to "a wrench")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Abandoned Observatory]]
(set: $Weapon to "a wrench")(set: $ObservatoryObject to "a lighter")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Abandoned Observatory]](set: $TempleObject to "a crystal")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Temple]](set: $TempleObject to "an ancient scroll")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Temple]](set: $TempleObject to "a small figurine of the Grand Mother")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Temple]](set: $MossHutObject to "a penny")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Moss Hut]](set: $MossHutObject to "a rusty but still functional watch")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Moss Hut]](set: $MossHutObject to "a nondescript necklace")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Moss Hut]](set: $DinerObject to "an umbrella")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Inexplicable Diner ]]
(set: $Weapon to "an umbrella")(set: $DinerObject to "a jacket")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Inexplicable Diner ]](set: $DinerObject to "a wallet")
(set: $RuneSum to ($RuneSum + 1))
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Inexplicable Diner ]]<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/34/26/44/342644af414778028a070d9141e2aeb7.jpg" width="400" height="640">
The mossy path with clover and mushrooms was already adorable before the discovery that the little red topped mushrooms that dot the path, aren’t simply mushrooms. The first time one of them popped out of the ground and began running across the path, you freaked. The little thing waddled over to a cluster of three other ones, tapped each of them on the head, and ran off with them when they also popped out of the ground. At this point the four of them noticed you, looked at each other, and waved at you to follow them with their tiny arms. You walked slowly behind them as they ran. They couldn’t be more than the size of your fist. When we finally reached their desired destination, they were huffing and puffing.
The destination turned out to be a small, human sized, moss covered hut surrounded by a mushroom people village. The Little Guys™ ran into several different buildings and after a few minutes several hundred Little Guys™ were standing in front of you. They chattered back and forth between each other in a language that you can’t comprehend. Two of them ran off into the biggest building and came back with a third. The newest Little Guy™ was older looking and used a cane. He surveilled you and after a minute said something that caused all of The Little Guys™ to form a circle around you, and began moving. You stay in the center of their circle and follow them to a large rock, about 5 feet high.
The rock had a small doorway at the bottom that The Little Guys™ went into. They emerged from the top of the rock and gestured to a rune on the top. You sketched it in your notebook. A few more of them emerge carrying: [[a penny]], [[a rusty but still functional watch]], or [[a nondescript necklace]].
You take the offered object and set off again.
(set: $MossHutRune to "The Little Guys™ rune")
Around you is:
A soft path downhill, that gives you a calming feeling.(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]]
(if: $DinerObject is "blop") [
A concrete path that looks like it belongs in New York City. (text-colour:black)[[Inexplicable Diner ]]
](if: $CentaurObject is "blop") [
A cobblestone path, dappled in light between the aspen trees above. (text-colour:black)[[Centaur Clearing]]
](set: $PondObject to "a sword")
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]](set: $PondObject to "a glowing orb")
Click below
(text-colour:black)[[Luminescent Pond]]Arnoux nods and leads you to the others. Arnoux addresses them, "They mean no harm to us, like us they're a traveler. Freya is the wannabe assassin. Eowyn is the one with doe eyes who is more of a fox than a doe. Onyx is the brooding one in a black cloak. Xavier is the second most handsome in the group, after me of course. Aithne is agenderless mess. Logan is the cutest wolf-cub to ever exist." Eowyn and Aithne scratch behind Logan's ears.
The others resume setting up camp. Onyx says something to Freya who sets out another sleeping bag under the bug net. She turned to look at me briefly and gave me a brief nod.
Before a dinner of some tropical bird, Xavier led us in a prayer to the Grand Mother. "We thank the Grand Mother for allowing the death of these birds to feed us. This way, it was not in vain." You never were really religious, but you bow your head to match. You eat while chatting with the others, grateful for acceptance. Soon the chatter dies as everyone slips into a food coma. Everyone quickly leaves until it's just you. You go to your sleeping bag and soon fall asleep.
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You wake up to the feeling of cold steel on your neck. You open your eyes slowly. "What is this about?" You see Eowyn, Onyx, Xavier, Aithne, and Logan. The friendly atmosphere of dinner last night is gone, now frowns and knives set the mood.
Onyx says, "We can't trust you. Freya, take them to the cavern." He furrows his brow. Freya pushes you to your feet and puts a blindfold over your eyes.
"Are you ready for death?" (text-colour:black)[[Underground Cavern]]Arnoux laughs and responds with, "Oh wary aren't you? No, the forest has no reason to fear us. I swear it on the Grand mother".
"That's quite a promise to make on the Grand Mother. I hope for your sake you keep it". You quip back.
"I will''. He wraps his arm around your shoulders and leads you to the others, who seem far more comfortable with your presence now. Arnoux addresses them, "They mean no harm to us, like us they're a traveler. They also have some bite to their tongue!" The others chuckle at Arnoux's last remark. "Freya is the wannabe assassin. Eowyn is the one with doe eyes who is more of a fox than a doe. Onyx is the brooding one in a black cloak. Xavier is the second most handsome in the group, after me of course. Aithne is a genderless mess. Logan is the cutest wolf-cub to ever exist. Yes you are, yes you are!" He cooed at the now no longer threatening wolf who now wagged his tail rapidly. Eowyn and Aithne joined in the pampering and scratched behind Logan's ears.
Onyx took his hood off and looked at me intently. He pulled me aside lightly. "Look. I've been friends with Arnoux long enough to know when he trusts someone. He trusts you, and I don't want him to be wrong. But if he is, I'm giving you an out to say I kicked you out so this doesn't get ugly."
Your response: [["I meant it when I said you have no reason to fear me."]] or [["I see I'm clearly not welcome. I guess I'll take you up on your offer."]]Onyx furrowed his brow, but then softened. "I'll believe you for now". He walked back to the others who had resumed setting up camp. He says something to Freya who sets out another sleeping bag under the bug net. She turned to look at me briefly and gave me a brief nod.
Before a dinner of some tropical bird, Xavier led us in a prayer to the Grand Mother. "We thank the Grand Mother for allowing the death of these birds to feed us. This way, it was not in vain." You never were really religious, but you bow your head to match. You eat while chatting with the others, grateful for acceptance. You catch Onyx's eye and he glances at Arnoux. You followed his gaze and found Arnoux staring at you. He lifted his drink at you and took a sip. You blush and follow suit.
Soon the chatter dies as everyone slips into a food coma. Everyone quickly leaves until it's just Arnoux and you. Arnoux shifts so he's leaning back with his arms supporting him. He turns to look at you and gestures for you to come closer. "Why are you all the way over there? I don't bite."
"Promise?" You get up and move to sit next to him. The moon lights his face just enough to see his green eyes. You lay your head on his shoulder and you don't dare breathe. He shifts us both so we're on our backs and his arm is around my shoulder. You stay like that until you both fall asleep.
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You join the travelers in exploring vast parts of the kingdom. You and Arnoux fall into a pattern together, and you share the entirety of the story of your travels in the enthralling forest. You both become adamant followers of the Grand Mother. Eventually you settle, living in a forest together.
Onyx furrowed his brow. "Hmm. I'll tell them in the morning that I don't want you here. Until then, stay the night here. If you leave right now Arnoux will start asking questions." He walked back to the others who had resumed setting up camp. He says something to Freya who sets out another sleeping bag under the bug net. She turned to look at me briefly and gave me a brief nod.
Before a dinner of some tropical bird, Xavier led us in a prayer to the Grand Mother. "We thank the Grand Mother for allowing the death of these birds to feed us. This way, it was not in vain." You never were really religious, but you bowed your head to match. You eat while chatting with the others, regretting your decision to leave. You caught Onyx's eye and he furrowed his brow again. You got the impression it was a habit. Onyx looks away when he notices Arnoux looking between us. Arnoux tries to catch your eye, but you don't meet his eyes.
Soon the chatter dies as everyone slips into a food coma. Everyone quickly leaves until it's just Onyx, Arnoux, and you. You can tell Onyx is fighting sleepiness until he gives up and bids us goodnight. He stands up and glances once more between Arnoux and you, clearly not wanting to leave us alone. Arnoux raises his eyebrow and Onyx leaves. Arnoux shifts so he's leaning back with his arms supporting him. He turns to look at you and gestures for you to come closer. "Why are you all the way over there? I don't bite."
"Promise?" You get up and move to sit next to him. The moon lights his face just enough to see his green eyes. You lay your head on his shoulder and you don't dare breathe. He shifts us both so we're on our backs and his arm is around my shoulder. You stay like that until you both fall asleep.
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You wake up to the feeling of cold steel on your neck. You open your eyes slowly. "What happened to telling the group that I wasn't welcome?" But instead of only seeing Onyx, you see Eowyn, Onyx, Xavier, Aithne, and Logan. The friendly atmosphere of dinner last night is gone, now frowns and knives set the mood. You feel Arnoux rouse, still with his arm around you. "What's going on? Whatever is going on is not important to come before hot morning brew." He groggily opened his eyes. He quickly stopped shifting. "Freya, why do you have a knife to their throat?"
Onyx cut in, "We can't trust them".
"Like. Hell. We. Can't." You felt Arnoux's grip on your shoulder tighten. "They were rightfully protective of our intentions to a human-free forest. How is that suspect?!"
"Arnoux, let go of them. Freya, take them to the cavern." Onyx furrowed his brow.
"NO, stop, don't take them there, they'll never survi-" Onyx cut Arnoux off by putting a cloth drenched in a liquid over his mouth. Arnoux struggled for a minute, but then his grip slackened. Freya pushes you to your feet and puts a blindfold over your eyes.
"Are you ready for death?" (text-colour:black)[[Underground Cavern]]